Who were the Andersons?
James Anderson was an American Brass executive. His wife was Janet
Lance Anderson, the daughter of Andrew H. Lance, a Simmons Company
executive, and Emma Bell Simmons Lance. Z. G. Simmons, founder
of the Simmons Mattress Company, was Mrs. Anderson's grandfather.
Her brother, Gilbert S. Lance held an executive position at the
Cooper Company/Jockey International. Gilbert S. Lance Middle School
in Kenosha was named in his honor.

When was the house
built?
Construction began in 1929. It was completed in 1931.

How large is the
house?
The house itself occupies more than 9000 square feet. The home
is set on 4.7 acres of landscaped grounds.

How many rooms are
there in the house?
The mansion has more than 30 rooms. Some of the more unusual ones
included a room for arranging fresh flowers, a gun room, a linen
room, and a locked storage cabinet for the family silver. The
second floor had five bedrooms including an 18' x 24' master bedroom.
There are four bathrooms upstairs. Also on the second floor (west
side) were two servants' bedrooms with a bathroom and a living
room.

What was the cost
to build a home like this?
At the time it was built, the home cost $139,144.00, exclusive
of land costs and landscaping. Today it is valued in excess of
$2.5 million.

What style of architecture
is the house?
It is a French Renaissance Revival style, two-story, stone and
stucco house that was designed by Chicago architects Ralph Milman
and Archibald Morphet.

Who owns the Anderson
Arts Center?
In 1977, Janet Lance Anderson deeded her house to Kenosha County
to be part of the Kemper Center park grounds. The home officially
became part of the Kemper Center, Inc., in July 1990. She lived
in the home until the time of her death, on November 8, 1989,
at the age of 96.

When did it officially
become Anderson Arts Center?
The Anderson Arts Center opened in April 1992. Since that date,
the Center has welcomed thousands of visitors to its many art
exhibitions and cultural activities.

Who funds the Anderson
Arts Center?
No local tax dollars are used to fund the Anderson Arts Center.
Funds for operating expenses are raised through the sale of artwork,
gift shop purchases, grants, donations and the annual fund drive
for the Arts Center.

How can I become
a volunteer at the Anderson Arts Center?
Volunteers are needed to help with all aspects of running the
Art Center. For more information, contact the Volunteer
Coordinator for Kemper Center, Inc., at (262) 657-6005.